With sadness, Chabad of Oregon announces the passing of Rabbi Leibel New, z”l, of Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

In 1995, Rabbi New dedicated the mikvah room of Mikvah Shoshanah, Portland's women’s mikvah, in memory of his parents, Rabbi Yisroel and Rivkah New, z”l.

In the nearly thirty years since that dedication, hundreds of brides and soon-to-be mothers have immersed in the mikvah, establishing their families in the spirit of purity and the foundational beauty of the Jewish people.

He is survived by his children: Rabbi Avremi New of Brooklyn, N.Y., Rabbi Chezky New of Melbourne, Rabbi Sholom New of Brooklyn, N.Y., Rabbi Yitzchok New of Melbourne and Rivka Raskin of Melbourne.